The Internet is awash in computer tuning tools – tools designed to help computer users manage, maintain, optimize, configure and troubleshoot their computer system. From freebies to shareware, to full-blown commercial products, the market is saturated with applications targeted at those who suspect that their PC is operating at less than maximum potential. That pretty well describes most of us, I should think.

Those of us who are technically competent are, I suspect, comfortable using any number of free system tools readable available for download on the Internet – tools that can act as a helpmate in tweaking and maintaining computers.

Now that’s very cool – if you’re a high end user. But, if you’re a “I know where the power button is” – type of user, you’ll need more than just a handful of freebie helpmate applications to assist you in tweaking and maintaining your computer.

Luckily, there are tune-up applications designed specifically for average users – applications that make it easy for a typical user to achieve the same level of high performance as a techie. One such application, an application which can rightfully be called a “classic” in it’s class, is TuneUp Utilities 2012.

I’ve tested every released version of TuneUp Utilities going back to 1997, and I’ve come to rely on it to help me get the very best out of all my machines. Despite the fact that I’m a huge fan of free software, there are times when only a commercial application will meet all of my needs in one interface.

Quick overview:

Following installation, you will have the opportunity to analyze your computer to search out issue that are negatively impacting performance.

An abundance of modules, shown in the Windows 8 screen shot (above), are available to analyze and repair, maintain and improve, and configure the operating system. The following screen capture, in Windows 7, shows a more familiar application module layout.

In step one of the test, I checked the system status and choose to allow the application to recommend improvements.

When the analysis phase is completed, system issues that require action can be dealt with easily and quickly.

Done! Virtually in the blink of an eye!

Fourteen days later, after running the 1-Click maintenance module intermittently, the following screen capture shows just a small number of issues which need to be corrected. Optionally, the 1-Click maintenance module can be set to run automatically which will ensure that any issues which arise will be dealt with immediately.

Common computer problems are a snap for TuneUp Utilities 2012 to deal with. Simply select the problem in TuneUp’s Repair Wizard and in a couple of clicks, the issue is resolved.

As with previous reviews of TuneUp Utilities, I could go on and on describing the additional features that are included in this terrific application but, I think you get the point. This program is overwhelmingly inclusive, and provides virtually every tool and applet, that an average computer user is ever likely to need.

Is it worth $49.95 US for a 3 machine (many of us have more than one computer), license? In my view the answer is a definite – yes. TuneUp Utilities 2012 is easier to use than ever, is overwhelmingly inclusive, and provides virtually every tool and applet, that an average computer user is ever likely to need.

Take a free test run on TuneUp Utilities 2012 for 15 days, and see if you don’t agree that this is one commercial application that offers excellent value – $49.95 US for a 3 machine license.

I’d like your opinion of the tune up registry cleaner. I have automatic maintenance set to run every week, including the registry cleaning option. I’m however very suspicious of the cleaner, because each time I run it, it finds a large number(100-200+) of registry problems. Ccleaner on the other hand finds a much smaller amount of registry issues. I’m afraid the tune up registry cleaner could mess up my computer because of its aggressiveness. Do you have an opinion on it? I’d much rather it clean less than too much. Thanks,

Frankly, I’m often confused as to the criteria developers use to mark Registry items for removal. Case in point – I tested 5 cleaners (couple of years ago), and each one generated a different number of entries. It seems one developer will see an advantage in removing a specific entry, while another developer sees no advantage. Weird.

The Registry cleaner included in TuneUp is relatively mild and is unlikely to cause an issue. As opposed to say – RegSeeker, or Comodo, which are noted for their aggressiveness. Personally I used CCleaner only.

I love tuneup utilities and have been using it for many years now, I have also recently tried System mechanic. They pretty much do the same thing. I was wondering if you had an opinion on which one was better?

I notice when I optimize with tuneup utilities for example, It will put the internet connection settings a certain way, then system mechanic says they need to be optimized a different way. I think they are having their own little battle on my computer.

Anyway, I was doing it for testing purposes and don’t plan on leaving both on my comp. Just wondering your take on maybe which one is better.

Hello Bill, I may have been hasty in my evaluasion on tune up 2012!
I have dowloaded anthor trail version and my PC is at lest 50% faster on bootup? From around 60 seconds to 30 amazing. I am using boot racer to measure startup and I’m wondering is it being accurate?

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